destroy

[dih-stroi] / dɪˈstrɔɪ /

VERB

demolish, devastate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

consume crush damage dismantle end eradicate gut impair kill maim ravage raze ruin sabotage shatter smash smash-up wipe out wreck

STRONG

abort annihilate annul axe butcher cream deface desolate despoil dispatch erase exterminate extinguish extirpate level liquidate mar maraud mutilate nuke nullify overturn quash quell ravish slay suppress torpedo total trash vaporize waste wax zap

WEAK

blot out break down lay waste snuff out spoliate stamp out swallow up tear down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist bear begin build construct create fix give birth help lose mend repair start

STRONG

improve keep preserve retain save validate

WEAK

restore

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Once inside, the T-cells destroy both the rogue and healthy B cells.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

AI company Anthropic proposed new regulations, warning that rapidly advancing AI could destroy jobs, create weapons, and empower autocrats.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

He does not seem to think about the jobs it will destroy, the way it is poisoning creativity or education, the way it warps our shared sense of reality.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

It doesn't make sense to destroy that installed base, so existing trucks will remain in service for another decade or two as the old generation gives way to its autonomous successor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

“I am Pirate Bob. I control this ocean and you are not welcome here. But you have something that I want. I will not destroy you if you give it to me.”

From "Wolfie & Fly" by Cary Fagan

Vocabulary lists containing destroy

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